Baker shows there’s no need for fake hate

Kane Baker…back in action at Dudley Town Hall next week

THERE’S a misguided belief in boxing, harboured by those whose knowledge of the sport is built around Rocky movies, that fighters burn with grudges against their opponents.

And the media now likes to hype fake feuds in a bid to get armchair viewers to tune-in. Sadly, these wrestling style scripts of scores that have to be settled in the ring are becoming the norm.

Sorry to disappoint casual supporters, but it ain’t true. For a professional fighter, boxing is strictly business. They set out to beat the man in front of them because that’s what they’ve been paid to do, that is what is needed to progress.

They want their opponent to end the contest healthy.

Birmingham’s British heavy and light-heavyweight champ Bunny Johnson put it into perspective. He told me: “How can you hate a man who is prepared to be hit in the face, who is prepared to risk his health to put food on the table for his family?”

Back in the early 1980s, I was present when former middleweight champ Kevin Finnegan – a man who had truly been there and worn the t-shirt during a glorious career – weighed-in against a hungry young prospect.

The ambitious opponent attempted to glower at Finnegan. He indulged in “eye-balling”, to use the modern term.

Finnegan shook his head, told the upstart, “come on, son”, then turned away. The prospect appeared suitably embarrassed – and so he should’ve been.

Kevin had fought Alan Minter three times, Marvin Hagler twice, beaten Tony Sibson and taken Ayub Kalule the distance. A young man staring at Finnegan was not going to turn his legs to jelly.

Now “stare-downs” – encouraged by promoters – are an obligatory part of a big fight build-up, a ludicrous “let’s see who blinks first” panto.

The respect between fighters is best summed-up by the matching of rugged Kane Baker and MJ Hall – a veteran of 103 contests – on June 10’s Dudley Town Hall bill, promoted by BCB.

Junior-lightweight Baker is a pros’ pro, a man who entered the game without fanfare or expectation, yet drove himself to a Midlands title and lost an English title fight on the narrowest of decisions.

The 32-year-old – a real fight fan – is living the dream. He’s fought on big shows against top opposition.

What’s more, Baker, who has won 18 of 29 (one draw) looks the part. With chipped features, high cheekbones and a brooding expression, he appears every inch a pugilist.

I have respect for every professional boxer. I have particular respect for Kane, a man who has done it the hard way.

MJ Hall, from Brierley Hill, knows his role in the sport. He’s there to test, extend, but not upset prospects. His is paid boxing’s darker, unglamorous side. MJ has won only three, but faced the best.

I know Baker respects the man and has a lot of time for him.

When southpaw Hall notched up his 100th contest at Dudley Town Hall in March, Kane posted online: “My brother, proud of you. MJ’s son used to wait for him to come home and would ask, ‘did we win, dad?’ Nah, son, but we got paid. One hundred fights later and Mini MJ knows the score.

“Here’s to the next 100 and just a warning. If you see me cornering MJ, you’re ****ed because I’m sending him out to win.”

Fans should remember those words when the two square-off next Saturday.

And, hopefully, at the weigh-in Baker will offer his hand to the veteran rather than attempt to stare him down.